5 March 2025

Annual fundraising gala returns to London's West End

The Eastside Educational Trust, chaired by our Estate manager Edward Benyon, is busily planning its annual fundraising gala which returns to London's West End on the 28th of April 2025 for what promises to be a fun-filled night.

Eastside's April Foolery Comedy Gala, which will take place at London's Criterion Theatre, will raise money for the charity's creative education programmes, inspiring and empowering disadvantaged young people through the arts.

The event features a host of the UK's top comedians, all of whom are lending their time and talent to support the worthy cause. Attendees can expect performances from Hugh Dennis, Simon Brodkin, Zoe Lyons, Cecily Hitchcock, Mitch Benn and many more.

Hugh is well known as a television actor and comedian, appearing in the hit series, Outnumbered, and Not Going Out as well as comedy panel shows on television and radio.  Simon Brodkin and Cecily Hitchcock are regulars on the standup circuit and Simon has also appeared in a number of comedy series.

Zoe Lyons makes regular appearances on TV comedy panel shows while Mitch Benn is a comedian, songwriter, musician and actor – and the resident comic songwriter on BBC Radio 4’s long running comedy show, The Now Show.

Last year’s April Foolery event was a huge success, featuring several of the same talented comedians.  It raised almost £30,000 for Eastside Educational Trust.

Edward has been the chair of Eastside Educational Trust since November 2023. He said: "2025's April Foolery promises to be a night of laughter, excitement and generosity. It's an honour to receive support from such talented comedians. Their performances will help Eastside bring creative programmes to the most disadvantaged young people across the UK".

To attend the event and to buy your ticket, visit their website here: https://www.criterion-theatre.co.uk/aprilfoolery?eventid=12201 

To learn more about East side, click here: https://www.eastside.org.uk/